Allergan chief research and development officer David Nicholson said: “Both the VTP-43742 and VTP-38543 programs offer the potential for highly differentiated mechanisms of action for the treatment of dermatologic conditions where patients are underserved by currently approved treatments.

“In addition, Vitae’s novel Contour drug discovery platform and its team, which have been instrumental in the discovery of novel ‘difficult to drug’ compounds, will be highly complementary to Allergan’s existing R&D discovery efforts in key therapeutic areas.”

Vitae’s pipeline also includes two preclinical candidates: VTP-45489, a RORγt inhibitor for autoimmune diseases, and an unnamed new target with a novel mechanism of action for an undisclosed indication.

Allergan CEO and president Brent Saunders said: “The acquisition of Vitae is a strategic investment for Allergan that adds strength and depth to our innovative medical dermatology franchise.”